Bell Ringing
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What we do, why we do it, and how you can do it too.
St James Bell Ringers are a group of people who ring the bells in the Parish Church of St James, Mangotsfield. We ring mostly for the weekly Sunday morning service, and we also practice every Wednesday night. Throughout the year we also ring for weddings and many other special occasions, such as Easter and Christmas.
We are affiliated to the Bristol Rural Branch of the Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers. They are, in turn, affiliated to the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers.
Our objectives as a group are very similar to those of the association to which we are affiliated:
- To promote the ringing of the bells at St James Church for Divine Service.
- To practice ringing to obtain a higher standard of ringing.
- To educate the public in the art and science of change ringing.
The main purpose of our ringing is for church services and special occasions, however there is one other reason which out-ranks all others - pleasure. Not just our own pleasure (although we wouldn't do it if we didn't enjoy it), but more importantly, that of the people of Mangotsfield. You have to admit, there is no sound quite like the peal of church bells on a Sunday morning, calling the people to worship!
If you would like to find out more about bell ringing at Mangotsfield there is a bell ringing contact on the contacts page, or if you are really fascinated, why not come and join us at our next Practice Night? There, you will be able to learn all about how the bells work, see the ringers in action, and maybe even "have a go" on the bells yourself.
Please note that for safety reasons, you must be aged twelve years or over if you wish to learn to ring. Visitors below sixteen years of age are advised to be accompanied by a responsible adult (i.e. someone aged eighteen years or over).
For more information on the bells use the link below.